On the first floor of the Cook County Administration Building in the Loop, a colorful altar adorned with portraits and painted skulls lines the hallway. This vibrant display is part of a Mexican tradition known as the Day of the Dead, a time to commemorate deceased loved ones before Halloween.

Four floors above, community members and congressmen gathered for a pressing cause during a “shadow” congressional hearing held today. The hearing addressed the Trump administration’s aggressive actions against Chicago’s immigrant community.

These shadow hearings—unofficial public meetings—have been led by U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal and other congressional Democrats under the title “Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Assault on Chicago.” The platform serves to voice concerns over what is described as “unlawful and aggressive” immigration enforcement in the city.

Nineteen members of Congress, including local U.S. Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García and Mike Quigley, convened to hear testimony from community members and discuss the implications of these policies.

One of the seven witnesses was a teenager identified only as Genesis O. Her mother, Laura Murillo, was taken by federal immigration agents while selling tamales. In a heartfelt and tearful statement, 19-year-old Genesis shared how her mother’s detention has forced her to shoulder new responsibilities.

“I’m only 19 years old. I’m still a kid who has so much to learn and yet I feel like in the last four weeks, I’ve grown up fast,” she said. Genesis now cares for her 16-year-old disabled sister and manages putting food on the table, a burden that is taking a toll on her mental and physical health.

Another witness, Any Huamani, a member of a Southwest Side rapid response network, spoke about the community’s efforts to support families living in constant fear of ICE raids. Her network delivers food and resources to roughly 100 families affected by immigration enforcement.

Huamani expressed serious concerns about the government’s lack of accountability and transparency, particularly condemning Border Patrol boss Gregory Bovino’s use of tear gas and harsh enforcement tactics.

“The Trump regime is actively used in Chicago as a show for entertainment, while families are being torn apart,” Huamani said.

Community members are stepping up to help children feel safe amidst these challenges. Several witnesses testified about efforts to accompany children to and from school in an environment fraught with fear and distrust due to immigration enforcement operations near schools.

Juliet De Jesus Alejandre, executive director of the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and another hearing witness, described how locals assist around 65 families by picking up and dropping off elementary students at a nearby school.

“The amount of trust you need to have in that moment,” Alejandre reflected. “I can’t even imagine leaving a 7-year-old to go with somebody that you’re hoping will come back. Thankfully, it’s all been safe.”

Rep. Mike Quigley highlighted the plight of children and young adults suddenly left without caregivers. He shared a poignant story of walking an 8-year-old girl from a shelter to school because “she has to have someone white walk her to school.”

The hearing underscored the urgent need for compassionate immigration policies and community support to protect vulnerable families in Chicago amidst ongoing enforcement actions.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/25/congressmen-community-members-hold-shadow-meeting-on-trump-enforcement-efforts/